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Bu Festival Bizim: Celebrating Diversity, Creativity, and Joy Through Music

Organized by Kreşendo, Bu Festival Bizim brought the rhythm of happiness to life in the city with vibrant concerts, workshops, and talks from November 1 to 8.

A New Breath for Music Festivals in Türkiye

Aiming to create a lasting transformation in the music industry, the third edition of Bu Festival Bizim showcased diverse performances by talented female musicians. The opening concert, held at Volkswagen Arena, featured Marina Satti, Greece's 2024 Eurovision representative, marking her first performance in Türkiye. Preceding her, the impressive vocal performance of Selût and Nova Norda’s energetic stage presence captivated the audience.

On November 3, Salon İKSV hosted notable artists from the alternative scene, including Dilay Dal, Sera Savaş, Maya Perest, Melisa Karakurt, and KARDELEN. The festival closed on November 8 with a special performance by Selin Baycan at Postane.

Workshops and Talks Focused on Creativity and Expression

The festival offered attendees a variety of enriching experiences. Highlights included the Dance and Movement: Boybye Class with Şükrü Kibar, Creativity and Songwriting Workshop with Simge Pınar, Vocal Workshop with Çağıl Kaya, and Rhythm Workshop with Leyan Senay. Additionally, the Red Bull Dance Your Style workshop, featuring Türkiye champions Aydan Uysal and Volkan Arıcı, provided an engaging experience for dancers of all levels.

Inspiring talks delved into music's societal and psychological impacts. Noteworthy sessions included:

• “Musicians’ Mental Health: Can We Paint a Picture of Happiness in the Music Industry?” moderated by Deniz Koloğlu with İdil Meşe and Özge Ç. Denizci.
• “Sharing Happiness: Together Stronger” moderated by Bihter Ayyıldız, featuring Kaya Demiral, Yağmur Çoban, and Emre Güzel.
• “Discussing Hope and Happiness in Dark Times” with Olcay Akyıldız, Zeynep Uysal, and Hande Ortaç.

A cultural memory tour, Kreşendo’s Streets Are Ours: Beyoğlu, led by Asena Günal and Asena Hayal, explored the evolving texture of Beyoğlu’s heritage.

Equality in Music Project Launch

The festival hosted the launch of the Equality in Music Project, supported by UNESCO’s International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD), on November 6 at the Netherlands Consulate. Following a “speed dating” session for musicians and industry professionals, opening speeches were delivered by Özlem Ece, UNESCO Türkiye Committee Member, and Lisa Blanning, a producer at Intonal Festival. The panel “New Forms of Creativity in the Music Industry”, featuring Merve Eryürük, Bülent Forta, and Metin Uzelli, provided valuable insights into the industry’s dynamics.

Supporters and Partners

With backing from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the festival’s main supporters included Levi’s, Mey Diageo, Beije, Red Bull, SuCo, and Zuhal Music. The hospitality sponsor was Hilton Bomonti. Media supporters such as Aposto, Artful Living, and Medyascope also contributed to the event’s success. International partners included the Netherlands Consulate, Goethe-Institut Istanbul, and UNESCO IFCD.

About Kreşendo

Kreşendo is a social enterprise promoting equality and inclusivity in the music industry through education, research, and community engagement. Established in 2021, it aims to democratize culture and inspire transformative change in the sector.

About Bu Festival Bizim

Since 2022, Bu Festival Bizim has been offering a multi-faceted stage for alternative music in Istanbul, championing equality and inclusivity. Over the past three years, it has enriched Türkiye’s festival landscape with its concerts, workshops, and inspiring discussions.